The Vanishing Heiress

Chapter 27

For three days, Megan Sullivan didn't step outside.

She spent those days doing nothing but painting.

Pain, sorrow, anger—too many dark emotions poured onto the blank canvases as she vented her turmoil.

"Sophia, are you doing alright back in China? I dried some oranges and grapefruits for you and had Andy mail them over. I heard the air in Beijing is dry—remember to make tea often to soothe your throat. I'll be praying for you here in Dominica."

In the pitch-black room, only the dim glow of her phone screen provided any light.

It was a voice message from her landlady, Mary. Megan curled up on the floor, listening to it again and again.

"Mom."

The word slipped unconsciously from her lips.

Truthfully, every understanding she had of the word "mother" came from this middle-aged woman thousands of miles away in Dominica.

She missed the comforting scent of chamomile on Mary's palms. She missed the unbearably tangy cod in tomato sauce. She missed the sun-dried, colorful fruit slices that were always a little too tough but still sweet…

Ding-dong. The doorbell rang.

Megan dragged herself up, wrapping a thick blanket around her shoulders as she went to answer it.

Standing outside were a lawyer she'd never met and the familiar face of Ethan's assistant, Liam.

"Are you two together?" Megan frowned.

Liam, holding a briefcase, shook his head. "No. This gentleman is Mrs. Montgomery's lawyer. I'm here on Mr. Sterling's behalf."

It seems they won't leave until this is settled.

This time, Megan didn't shut the door on them.

She carelessly tossed two bottles of Château—the so-called "Rolls-Royce of mineral water"—toward them.

"Make it quick," she said flatly, settling cross-legged onto the couch.

The lawyer spoke first, methodically laying out a thick stack of documents.

"This is the deed of gift for the 45.7% shares of Montgomery Group originally belonging to Mrs. Montgomery and Miss Emily, along with a cashier's check and the property deeds for three residences in Xiden's Upper Palace, Sky Mansion, and Willow Gardens."

He paused. "Mrs. Montgomery and Miss Emily asked me to convey that they know these things mean little to you, but it's their way of making amends. Whether you accept them or not, they're already yours."

Mrs. Montgomery was one thing, but even Emily gave up her shares?

Megan was surprised.

Clearing his throat, Liam produced an equally thick stack of papers.

"Miss Sullivan, these are all the assets under Sterling Group—"

Before he could finish, Megan cut in sharply, "What does this mean? Is Ethan quitting too?"

Liam laughed awkwardly. "Ah, well…" He faltered, unsure how to respond.

Then, a weak voice came from the doorway.

"I just wanted to apologize."

Ethan Sterling stood there, his face pale. "I know… the only real apology is for you to hurt me the way I hurt you."

Liam and the Montgomery family lawyer took the hint and discreetly stepped outside.

Gritting his teeth against the pain in his chest, Ethan moved closer.

"I've handed over everything I own to you. Right now, I have nothing. Between us, I'm no longer the one in power—no longer looking down on you. Megan, I just… wanted to give you the right and the means to hurt me."

Megan stared at him, unblinking.

Then, her lips curved into a faint, bitter smile.

"Ethan, do you really think hurting you will erase those seven years? Or wipe away everything broken between us? Are you really that naive?"

The words spilled out, bringing both relief and a sharp ache in her chest.

Wasn't this just reopening old wounds?

But before she could dwell on it, a sudden thud made her look down in shock.

Ethan had dropped to his knees before her.